Ajit Pawar Death: What We Know About Learjet 45 Aircraft And Its Safety History

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 11:48 IST

Ajit Pawar died in a Learjet 45XR crash near Baramati. Now, questions are being raised over safety concerns as another Learjet 45 crashed in 2023. VSR Aviation manages such jets.

Five people, including Ajit Pawar died in the crash. (X @DrSudhakar_)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati, triggering focus on the aircraft involved, a Learjet 45, a model commonly used for private and chartered travel. The jet crashed while attempting an emergency landing, with authorities launching a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.  Follow Live Updates Here 

Learjet is a brand of small, high-performance private jets typically used by business executives, charter operators and government officials, rather than for commercial airline services. Designed to be fast and efficient, Learjets generally carry between six and ten passengers and became so iconic over the decades that the term “Learjet" is often used generically to describe private jets.

Also Read: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash In Baramati 

The brand was founded in the 1960s by aviation innovator Bill Lear and was later owned by Bombardier, which ended production of Learjet aircraft in 2021, though thousands remain in operation globally.

The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45XR, a super-light business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. It is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofan engines and has a maximum cruising speed of around 860 kmph, with an operating ceiling of up to 51,000 feet.

The jet typically seats eight to nine passengers, has a range of about 3,700 km depending on load and conditions, and is equipped with an advanced glass cockpit and integrated flight displays. Known for its strong climb performance, fuel efficiency, and ability to fly above most commercial traffic and adverse weather, the Learjet 45XR is widely used for corporate travel, charter services, and air ambulance operations.

Also Read: Dense Fog, Hilly Terrain: What May Have Caused Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash In Baramati

What Is VSR Aviation

VSR Aviation offers aviation consultancy, spare parts procurement, and aircraft management services, along with liaison and coordination with key regulatory and government bodies such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The company’s services include private jet charters and leasing, air ambulance operations, and empty-leg flights.

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